Mélina Facchin (in Strasbourg) / Photo credits: PATRICK HERTZOG / AFP 10:06 a.m., November 25, 2023

Strasbourg's famous Christmas market opened its doors on Friday, to the delight of visitors who came in large numbers and even from abroad to discover the illuminations, decorations, and dishes of the region.

The 453rd edition of Strasbourg's traditional Christmas market opened on Friday. Due to the "attack emergency" level of the Vigipirate plan, the security system has been reinforced with the tripling of Sentinel patrols and the use, for the first time, of surveillance drones. But not enough to spoil the party. Many visitors are already enjoying this unique atmosphere.

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"It's as if Santa Claus is going to appear out of nowhere"

When the large 30-metre-high Christmas tree lights up on Place Kléber, the magic of Christmas happens instantly. "It's magnificent", "it's very beautiful", "it's huge, it's really very nice", say these visitors.

Since Friday, thousands of tourists have been enjoying the decorations, mulled wine and the unique atmosphere as described by Fred and his family from Texas. "Strasbourg is fantastic. There's good wine and there's chocolate. There's everything! I tasted the white sausages! It's the magic of Christmas all day long. It's as if Santa Claus is going to appear out of nowhere," he laughed on Europe 1.

Three million visitors expected

Joël has been selling chocolate at the Strasbourg Christmas market for eight years. For him and others, this event is an important moment for merchants. "We're very happy to see a lot of people this year. It's a pleasure. Really, really, really. Let's hope it continues and long live the Strasbourg Christmas market!" he says. Nearly three million visitors are expected in Strasbourg until 24 December.